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C230 / C280 / C300 / C350 V6 (M272)

2007–2011 · petrol · 3498cc · 272hp

Engine codes: M272

History-Dependent

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Mercedes Benz C-Class W204 C230 / C280 / C300 / C350 V6 (M272). Check this before you buy used.

The smooth, robust V6 petrol — generally the nicer, more reliable petrol choice. BUT early (2007–2008) units have a known balance-shaft gear wear problem that throws timing codes and needs major work. Whether a car is affected depends on the engine serial number. A post-affected-range or fixed car is excellent; an early unverified one is a real risk.

Same engine, other cars

This is the same physical engine (M272) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:

Known Issues

Balance shaft gear wear (early serials)critical

2007–2008 V6s have a balance-shaft gear that wears prematurely, throwing camshaft-correlation codes (P0016 etc.) — repair is engine-out and expensive.

Fix / Workaround: Check engine serial against the affected range; verify whether the updated gear was fitted. Avoid affected, unfixed cars.

Repair cost: €2000–€4500

Typically appears after: 100,000 km

Carbon / general wearminor

Some carbon and ancillary wear with age, otherwise robust.

Fix / Workaround: Routine servicing.

Repair cost: €100–€500

Year Cutoffs

2009: Before — 2007–2008: balance-shaft gear wear risk (check serial). After — Later serials use the updated gear — safe.

Mileage Thresholds

After 100,000 km: Balance-shaft wear surfaces on affected serials.

Fault Codes to Scan

P0016Crank/cam correlation — balance shaft gear wearcritical

Pre-Purchase Checklist

  • ☐Check engine serial vs the balance-shaft affected range
  • ☐Scan for P0016 / cam-correlation codes
  • ☐Prefer 2009+ or a documented-fixed car
  • ☐Otherwise the better petrol choice over the 1.8 M271

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mercedes Benz C-Class W204 C230 / C280 / C300 / C350 V6 (M272) reliable?

History-Dependent — The smooth, robust V6 petrol — generally the nicer, more reliable petrol choice. BUT early (2007–2008) units have a known balance-shaft gear wear problem that throws timing codes and needs major work. Whether a car is affected depends on the engine serial number. A post-affected-range or fixed car is excellent; an early unverified one is a real risk.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Mercedes Benz C-Class W204 C230 / C280 / C300 / C350 V6 (M272)?

The most commonly reported problems: Balance shaft gear wear (early serials), Carbon / general wear.

Is a used Mercedes Benz C-Class W204 C230 / C280 / C300 / C350 V6 (M272) worth buying?

The engine itself is OK; condition is everything. Unknown or patchy history = walk away.